China could have “predatory influence” in Latin America, according to the US

China continues with itsrelentless march” to influence Latin America and the Caribbean and, without US leadership, could come to exert a “predatory influence” as in Africa, said the head of the United States Southern Command.

China, “our long-term strategic competitor, continues its relentless march to expand economic, diplomatic, technological, information and military influence in Latin America and the Caribbean, and challenges the influence of the United States in all these areas”declared the general Laura Richardson.

“Without our leadership, the PRC’s negative influence in this region could soon resemble the self-serving predatory influence it now has in Africa.”warned before the House Armed Services Committee (HASC).

To counter China’s growing influence, the US House of Representatives approved a bill in February that contains a section on Latin America and the Caribbean.

In this text, the Congress estimates that Chinese military training programs, arms sales and space activities in the region have an impact on the strategic interests of the United States and ensures that Beijing exports its model of internal security and control of society. through advanced technology and artificial intelligence.

This is not counting the disbursement of billions of dollars in the energy sector and in loans, says the bill, in which China is accused of trying to shape public opinion through exchanges between peoples, cultural activities, educational programs and the development of information initiatives with a global reach.

China launched in 2013 the project of the “New Silk Roads” with the aim of improving trade links between Asia, Europe and Africa, but also covers the construction of ports, railways, airports and industrial zones.

At the moment it has already signed agreements with about 150 countries and, according to the Ministry of Commerce, Chinese companies invested more than US$20 billion (17.4 billion euros) in projects related to the New Silk Roads in 2021.

Chinapermanent member of UN Security Councilis the first or second trading partner of many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is the largest trading partner of Africa and the fourth largest investor on this continent.